Canon EOS 5D mkiv Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM 17 vertical frames 10 stop Blackstone ND filter Wine Country Camera Filter Housing 8sec f/14 ISO 100

Location: Centennial Valley,Montana

Photography by: David Lennard

Every morning for almost 3 months I'd awake before sunrise to catch the first rays rise above Yellowstone. It was usually pretty chilly, and I'd be rugged up in thermals with my first cup of coffee.

I photographed every one. Sometimes single frames, often a panorama like this scene, and an occasional time-lapse. I'd turn the camera off afterwards and meditate in the heat as the sun rose above the horizon. With a settled mind, and probably some cool shots to review, I would head off for a 2 hour hike with Rupert, exploring without a care in the world.

I wouldn't think about my cancer diagnosis, or what came next. I was present and connected with nature. I felt at peace.